This is day three of my twelve part series, using Jeff Goins new book, Real Artists Don’t Starve, to convince you, the local youth pastor, that you are an artist. You can catch up by starting here and then here.
Why not grab the book and read long with me?
Little did she know, how- ever, her first career was just preparation for what was to come. – Jeff Goins
Tip #1 Consider Everything You’re Doing As Practice For What’s Next
The story goes that Tia, the one Jeff references in the quote above, did not know where to go or what to do with her life after High School, so she followed in her friends steps and went to law school at Stanford. She wound up working at a big firm, but became tired of the grind. Little did she know that she was practicing for her next career, as an actress.
When I read the the quote above, I was floored. I’ve been feeling this way for some time; like I have been practicing for something else, I just can’t put my finger on it. Maybe, by the twelfth post, I will have discovered it.
Because I’m in the position I am in, I have both the time and the permission to practice. I have done the social media for our church, written copy for big events and for most of the written marketing we produced. I used to gripe about my place in life, now I am thankful and consider it all practice, and joy, for what’s next.
What can you practice where you’re at?
Tip #2 Stop Waiting For the Big Break
Starving Artists wait for their Big Breaks. Thriving Artists become apprentices in their crafts. – Jeff Goins
For the past seven years I’ve worked in a small church, in a small town. Not a lot of elbow rubbing and networking with big dogs in a town like this; but I have reached out via the internet. I connect with Jeff on FB and Tada! I’m on a book launch team. Big break are what we make, not some random Big Bang that happens to us.
Tryst me, I’ve struggled, bitched, and moaned as much as any ambitious guy in a small town will do, but all the while I’ve tried to keep my head down and put one foot in front of the other, slowly making progress, to creating my break(s)
If nothing else, I’ve consistently honed my skills in both youth ministry and other fields such as blogging, networking, and technology. Ready to serve the cause, idea, or person I choose, or that chooses me, at any moment.
Tip #3 Consistently Practice While You Wait
The marks of a good apprentice are patience, perseverance, and humility. – Jeff Goins
In a way, I’ve chosen to serve Jeff, the author of the book, by doing these blog posts and by sharing his book on my social, etc.. I expect nothing from Jeff (I mean, he already gave me a free book, what else could I ask for?).
I try to apprentice things, ideas, and people (like Jeff) I believe in. I show my value by using my skills to further these ideas and causes and I hope, in the process, to be found a good apprentice.
I’ve been patient, I’ve persevered and, whether I like it or not, have been humbled. All of these traits are critical for the apprentice (and the master of that matter)
The best thing about these traits are that anyone can have them and practice them. You don’t have to be pretty, strong, or popular; you just have to show up.
If you’re in a job or place that is suffocating you, find a way to apprentice. Apprentice for your church or another ministry in your church that’s struggling. Don’t waste the time or the opportunity you’ve been given.
Since Tia’s jump from law to acting has done a few tv shows and commercial. Modest, but progress none the less. She Tok advance of what she learned as a lawyer and put to work in acting. What skills can you hoe right now for what’s next?
For now, I’m still practicing, waiting patiently, but not idly.
I’m focusing on serving in the role of both apprentice and master.
When I do reach that place I want to be, I’ve imagined it will look something like this. vvv Who’s the master?
Be sure to read the fourth post in the series : Stubborn Youth Pastors Always Win